Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is calling on Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to use the August work period to work on Democratic healthcare initiatives.
“Democrats believe that health care coverage needs to be universal and more affordable,” Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote to McConnell, R-Ky. “Premiums, deductibles, and the cost of care are still too high for many. To that end, I urge you to dedicate the new three-week August work period to considering legislation that would lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs.“
McConnell announced on Tuesday that most of the August recess would be scrapped. He said the Senate will remain in session to clear a backlog of Trump administration nominees and legislation to fund the federal government.
Schumer wants the GOP to instead agree to consider a list of bills authored by Democrats that would broaden Obamacare.
He cited increased premiums that the insurance parties blame on the death of the individual mandate, which required people to purchase health insurance.
Democrats want the GOP to consider legislation that would create a drug czar who would focus on lowering the cost of prescription drugs, a bill to expand Medicare so people younger than 65 could enroll, and a measure to incentivize states to expand Medicaid. Democrats also want to vote on a bill to provide federal subsidies to insurance companies, which they said would lower insurance premiums.
“I request that you allow time in August for debate and votes on this much-needed legislation,” Schumer wrote. “Americans are ready for the president and Congressional Republicans to stop making the problem worse and instead work in a bipartisan manner to improve our country’s health care system. We believe this previously unscheduled session time can be put to good use to finally help Americans secure the affordable health care the president and Congressional Republicans have thus far failed to deliver. “
